Garner co-owns three Menchie's frozen yogurt franchises and has another three locations in various stages of construction. By yearend, he expects to own six. And by the end of next year, he expects to have 10 locations between Seattle and Portland.

Garner employs 55 people, including 20 full-timers. And for the opening of the next location, he has added another 18 jobs bringing his headcount to 73, including 25 full-timers.

In the coming years, for every additional location that Garner opens, he will bring on another 12 to 18 employees.

The soft economy hasn't hurt the demand for soft serve yogurt. "We really feel that even if our economy is terrible -- or terrific -- consumers have to find a way to get away from the worries and the cares of the world," said Garner.